Ocean Is Everybody’s Business
Introduction
Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface, regulate global climate, support marine biodiversity, provide sustainable food sources, and impact the daily lives of billions. For India, with a vast coastline of 7,517 km and nearly a third of its population living in coastal areas, the ocean is more than a boundary—it’s an essential part of economic, environmental, and social life.
As the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) approaches, India and France, along with Costa Rica, are set to co-host this event, reaffirming global commitment to ocean protection, governance, and sustainable blue economy. This article highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to safeguard oceanic health, especially in the face of climate change, overfishing, plastic pollution, and poor governance.
Such environmental diplomacy and multilateral governance structures are essential learnings for CLAT 2026 aspirants and are frequently asked about in current affairs, legal reasoning, and international law contexts.
Why in News?
- The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is scheduled for June 9–13, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
- India, with its extensive coastline and high dependence on ocean-based resources, is preparing to participate actively.
- The focus is on the sustainable governance of oceans, especially the high seas and blue economy, and improving scientific cooperation and public awareness.
Point-wise Summary of the Article
- India’s Oceanic Identity:
- India is surrounded by oceans on three sides.
- It has 7,517 km of coastline and nearly one-third of its population lives in coastal areas.
- The Indian Government’s Vision 2030 identifies the blue economy as one of the ten core pillars of growth.
- Ocean as a Global Commons:
- Oceans belong to everyone—no single country owns them.
- They offer:
- Food and livelihoods
- Energy resources
- Trade routes
- Scientific knowledge
- Climate regulation
- Crisis in the Oceans:
- Oceans face major threats due to:
- Overfishing
- Plastic pollution (over 8 million tonnes annually)
- Acidification
- Rising sea levels
- Loss of marine biodiversity
- These threats result from climate change, lack of governance, and inadequate global cooperation.
- Oceans face major threats due to:
- Urgency of Multilateral Action:
- Current efforts are insufficient.
- There is a need for legal enforcement, scientific innovation, and financial commitments.
- Shared responsibility is critical for protecting marine biodiversity and enabling regeneration of resources.
- The Role of UNOC3 (June 2025):
- Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
- Over 100 heads of states, scientists, and citizens to gather in Nice.
- Aimed at:
- Promoting global ocean governance
- Advancing the BBNJ Agreement
- Raising public awareness
- Recommitting to SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
- High Seas Governance:
- 60% of oceans are in international waters (high seas), often poorly monitored.
- Issues:
- Illegal fishing
- Unregulated exploration
- Pollution by private entities
- The BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement is crucial for bringing accountability.
- Legal and Political Frameworks:
- Reference to:
- COP21 and the Paris Agreement
- UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 14
- “Nice Ocean Agreements” will seek action-based outcomes, furthering international cooperation.
- Reference to:
- India’s Contribution and Role:
- India is expected to:
- Participate in Blue Talks (with the Embassy of Costa Rica)
- Promote scientific collaboration
- Recommend measures for stronger enforcement
- India is expected to:
- Mobilising Resources:
- The conference will discuss:
- Private financing for sustainable marine economy
- Technological innovations for marine surveillance
- Eco-tourism and shipping reforms
- The conference will discuss:
- Public Engagement & Cultural Exchange:
- A Festival of Ideas to be held in India (in Delhi, Chennai, and Goa) to:
- Engage artists and youth
- Raise ocean awareness through theatre, workshops, and discussions
- A Festival of Ideas to be held in India (in Delhi, Chennai, and Goa) to:
Notes on Key Terms for CLAT Aspirants
Term | Explanation |
Blue Economy | Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. |
Global Commons | Resources like oceans, space, atmosphere that are not owned by any one country but benefit all of humanity. |
BBNJ Agreement | International treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. |
UNCLOS | United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea – sets legal framework for marine and maritime activities. |
High Seas | Areas of the ocean that are beyond the jurisdiction of any single country (approx. 60% of ocean area). |
UNOC | United Nations Ocean Conference – a global summit to discuss and improve ocean health and governance. |
Legal Relevance for CLAT Preparation
This article covers key topics related to:
- International Environmental Law
- Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Treaty Formation and Implementation
- Global Environmental Governance
These areas fall under Public International Law and are part of higher-level law entrance exam syllabi.
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Importance of the Article in Today’s Legal World
- Climate Change & International Law:
- Oceans are a frontline in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- Global legal instruments like Paris Agreement and UNCLOS must be implemented robustly.
- Environmental Justice:
- Ocean protection is critical for equity, as coastal and island communities are most vulnerable.
- Multilateralism and Diplomacy:
- UNOC3 promotes inclusive global governance—a theme increasingly important in geopolitics and law.
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Conclusion
The article “Ocean Is Everybody’s Business” is not just a diplomatic call—it is a legal, ethical, and scientific plea to save our shared blue heritage. With UNOC3 on the horizon, the global community has a rare opportunity to forge legally binding commitments for marine protection.
CLAT aspirants must understand that law is not restricted to courtrooms. It governs climate talks, international treaties, and environmental stewardship. Being legally literate means being globally responsible.
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